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If you are unable to speak due to a disability, or you are in a situation where speaking could be dangerous, here is how to get help.

Steps

1

Research and plan beforehand if you are mute. Different regions have different options, and some quick research can help you determine what you can do in an emergency situation.

2

Try calling on a land line, even if you can't say anything. The operator will stay on the line with you until someone comes, to see what is wrong.

Pressing buttons may get the operator's attention. If they realize you might be able to understand them without speaking, they may ask you to press "1" or "2" to answer yes or no.

3

Consider texting an emergency number. Some areas allow you to text a number (such as 911 or 999) in order to describe your situation.

Explain where you are, what is happening, and what you need (medical help, police, etc.)

Wait for the operator to respond. They may have questions, or advice on what to do while you wait for help.

4

Consider asking a 3rd party to call the service. A friend, a social media follower, or even a delivery service could make the call for you.

For example, you could post a status update on a social media website, and ask for someone to call quickly.

For example, you could order a pizza and put in the comments section "Please call 911," then briefly describe what they should tell the operator. Make sure to put in the correct address.

5

Make a scene if it is safe to do so. If you want to draw attention to yourself to get help, you could do thinks like posting a sign in the window, making loud noise, throwing things, or grabbing attention. Only do this if it is safe, and if you know that nobody is going to attack you.

Loud noises can include loud music, banging pots and pans, sirens, alarms, or screaming. Neighbors may become annoyed and call the police, who can help once they arrive.

Community Q&A

Tips

If you're physically able to speak, but need to avoid alerting a potentially violent person, you can call emergency services and pretend you are ordering a pizza or calling a family member. The operator may realize you are in danger and ask you yes/no questions, or give directions like "say you want onions if the person has a weapon."

Walkie-talkies can sometimes be used to contact emergency services. Channel 9 may be the channel that is used, or it may differ in your area.

Warnings

Be cautious if there is a violent person who may hurt you for reaching out to help.

Never be the first person to hang up the phone, if you can avoid it. The operator may have more questions or safety advice.

Article Info

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has also been viewed 1,530 times.